Station Hana no Sanseien Izu Matsuzaki

Discover the Legacy of Three Pioneers in Izu’s Hidden Gem

Hana no Sanseien Izu Matsuzaki is a serene roadside station nestled in the heart of Matsuzaki, a quiet town in Shizuoka Prefecture’s scenic Izu Peninsula. More than a stop for weary travelers, it’s a cultural sanctuary honoring three remarkable figures from the late Edo and Meiji eras—scholar Taya Sanyo, entrepreneur Iida Soshu, and pioneering settler Iida Benzo, all born in Matsuzaki. Their enduring legacies come alive in the beautifully preserved Sanseikai-dō, a museum where antique exhibits trace their groundbreaking contributions to education, industry, and Hokkaido’s development.

The site also houses the Ozawa Gakusha, a restored Meiji-era public school founded by Iida Soshu, now a living archive of local history. Visitors can stroll through historic buildings, savor regional flavors at the on-site Tenchōzanbō restaurant, and sample unique delicacies like Hokkaido-style pork bowl, fresh wasabi rice, and cherry leaf soba—crafted with the town’s famed cherry leaf salted pickles. With EV charging stations, a café, and a peaceful garden, this roadside station offers both cultural depth and modern convenience in a tranquil coastal setting.

Hana no Sanseien Izu Matsuzaki stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can experience the legacy of three pioneering figures from Matsuzaki—historian土屋三余, industrialist依田佐二平, and Hokkaido pioneer依田勉三—through meticulously restored historic buildings like the Meiji-era 大沢学舎, Japan’s only preserved school founded by a local benefactor. The station uniquely offers a taste of regional history with its signature dishes: authentic 桜葉そば made from Matsuzaki’s nationally renowned salted cherry leaves, and a limited-edition 桜ジェラート crafted with Hokkaido milk and local cherry leaf extract—only available here.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the food counter in the "Tenjozanbou" restaurant, as the popular black rice udon and sakura soba are often sold out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the information counter between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to request a free guided tour of the "Sansei Kaidan" hall, which is not advertised but available during morning hours.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 9:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition sakura pickled leaf cookies, which are sold only from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and are known to sell out quickly.

• Food Pairing Tip: Order the sakura soba with a side of fresh wasabi grated on-site and a small serving of pickled plum (umeboshi) from the sales counter for the authentic local flavor experience.

• EV Charging Advantage: Use the rapid EV charging station located near the main entrance during your visit, as it is free and available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ideal for long-distance drivers needing a quick stop.

• Cultural Experience: Take the 10-minute walk from the roadside station to the "Oya Ishigakko" school building, which is open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and offers a rare glimpse into a preserved Meiji-era public school.

• Best Value Meal: Order the mini sakura soba (580 yen) with a small glass of local sakura tea from the information counter for a complete, affordable taste of the region’s signature flavors.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh wasabi, with hand-grated wasabi bowls available from April to June.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy seasonal sakura pickles and sakura gelato, made from the region’s famed salted cherry leaves.

Autumn (September–November): Attend the autumn outdoor market during the Matsuzaki Sansei Festival, held in late September.

Winter (December–February): Visit for cultural experiences at restored historical buildings, with seasonal snacks like black rice udon available.